Travel Checklist: Your Packing List for the Next Vacation

Sofronio Cobos

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·
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Packing List for Your Vacation to Print and Check Off

Packing List for Your Vacation to Print and Check Off

What should I pack? What do you need abroad, and what is just 'nice to have'? Are you uncertain about what should go on your packing list and in your luggage before your summer vacation? Don't worry, I have optimized my packing list through many vacations and published it for you.

Here you'll find guidance on what to take on your next summer vacation.

If you don't feel like reading the entire text, you can print your packing list directly here:

Why Have a Packing List for Vacation?

When packing your backpack, suitcase, or bag, there's a lot to consider. Often, it gets hectic right before departure, and essential items get forgotten at home. Whether it's an important charging cable or the power adapter for your destination, in the worst-case scenario, you may find just before leaving that your passport is no longer valid!

Forget Nothing and Save Time!

This is where my checklist comes into play, summarizing the most important points so that you forget nothing and avoid any disasters! I continuously update and optimize this summer vacation packing list. Through numerous trips each year, I constantly gain new insights. Additionally, I discover new practical accessories that could also be useful for you!

What Questions Do You Ask Yourself When Packing?

Questions like 'What must absolutely be included?', 'What type of power adapter do I need?', and 'What can I buy locally if my backpack is full?' I keep asking myself over and over again.

Some travel essentials can be purchased on-site, some cannot, and others (often hygiene products like shampoo and shower gel) are far too expensive at the destination. Moreover, you should generally rely on solid soap and plastic-free products.

I'll Answer These Questions for You Regarding the Packing List:

What do I need to take care of and check before my vacation?

What travel insurance do I need?

What can I pack in my carry-on?

Which credit card do I need for the destination (for free ATM withdrawals and fee-free payments)?

What should I pack in my toiletry bag and what belongs in the travel pharmacy?

What clothing must I not forget for summer?

What clothing do I need for cooler regions?

What must be on the list for hiking and trekking?

What equipment is really necessary?

How do I pack properly and keep organized in my suitcase or bag?

Is There One Perfect Vacation Packing List?

Do you really think there's THE ONE perfect packing list? Unfortunately, no. I have created this packing list, which includes items you always need on trips. But also travel essentials that vary by destination. Some things you won't need in certain places, while you will need them in others.

The Optimal Packing List Does Not Exist!

Every trip is different, everyone travels differently, and each country presents varying climatic conditions. Summer vacation or ski vacation? Road trip or hiking?

You cannot generalize packing lists, as everyone travels differently and packs different accessories.

My tip: Use my list as a base and feel free to try recommended and travel-suitable products. Additionally, you will find specific checklist tips for destinations in articles regarding travel countries.

  • Packing List for a Road Trip
  • Packing List for a City Trip
  • Checklist for Traveling with a Baby
  • Packing List for New Zealand
  • Packing List for Motorhome Travel
  • Packing List for Iceland
  • Packing List for Kilimanjaro

View here: Travel Gadgets: My 11 Best Travel Essentials for Vacation

Still, it's always useful to have a list of items you want to pack. Therefore, I've created a checklist that you can print and check off. Save this packing list because you'll refer back to it again and again in the foreseeable future.

This way, you can ensure that you haven't forgotten anything for your vacation.

Different Country - Different Packing List

For vacations in Peru, Canada, Norway, and Japan, I always pack a rain and wind jacket. Additionally, a thin down jacket or fleece.

For countries like Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, or Cuba, you will need more T-shirts, swimwear, tops, flip-flops, and light shorts or dresses that are breezy. Right? If you're traveling with children, you should pack toys. Since none of us have kids, we aren't the best advisors.

Generally, abroad, I will always carry sunglasses, my passport, credit cards, and good travel guides. Having the right travel health insurance is also crucial for us and is mentioned on the packing list.

Thus, this vacation packing list must be as general as necessary but as detailed as possible. I have included chapters for warmer destinations (summer vacation) and chapters for hiking and cooler destinations as well. I also always print the vacation checklist, as I cannot think of everything.

I travel so frequently that I have ample experience regarding what you should take with you and what you won't need on your way.

More Checklists:

  • Road Trip Packing List
  • City Trip Packing List
  • Motorhome Packing List
  • Packing List for Iceland
  • Packing List for New Zealand
  • Checklist for Traveling with a Baby from Isa, the New Mom

Summer Vacation vs. Winter Vacation

There are different ways to travel. Are you looking for a packing list for winter and ski vacations? Then I have the packing list for skiing here.

A

A packing list for summer typically does not include warm clothing, so pack lightly. Traveling to Scandinavia or Iceland? Don't forget mosquito repellent. Unfortunately, I don't have tips for family vacations. I don't have kids, but I have traveled with both my nephews in a camper. Kids love games, beach vacations (North Sea or Baltic Sea), as well as the Black Forest and adventure. At the beach, kids are happy with a shovel, a net, and a ball.

Why I Write a Packing List for Vacation?

Depending on your destination and type of travel, I have created different packing lists to print. On a road trip with a camper or car, you'll need different equipment than for a city trip or an adventure or active travel with a backpack.

I often pack chaotically and under time pressure at the last minute. To help you forget nothing and mainly just carry what you truly need, I have created this checklist.

Here you'll find the optimized packing list, which you can also download as a PDF (direct link to the packing list download).

I wish you a fantastic and unforgettable trip - wherever it may be! At the end of this article, you will find the packing list as a PDF to print!

Additionally, there are further links to other packing lists for road trips and city trips.

Packing List: Things to Take Care of Before Departure

Aside from planning the trip, there are various things to consider. Whether it's having the right travel documents or checking your safety at the destination. I always check the Foreign Office page. Many travel warnings are exaggerated; still, it's never wrong to be informed.

Detailed List for Travel Documents, Money, and Credit Cards

  • Passport (or ID card) - (valid for at least another 6 months and two blank pages; store a copy on Dropbox)
  • Apply for a visa: I check visa requirements on the Foreign Office's website Visa Regulations.
  • Credit card for travel without fees - best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. I prefer a Visa card over Mastercard. Leave your debit cards at home.
  • Cash (Euro/Dollar) - can be useful for paying visa fees or at border crossings
  • Frequent Traveler Card to collect miles and points (e.g. Miles and More from Lufthansa or American Express Platinum)
  • Travel insurance: A good travel health insurance: Hanse Merkur (I am now privately insured. Travel health insurance is included. -> Read more: What travel insurance do I need?)
  • Trip cancellation insurance. Also by Hanse Merkur.
  • Confirmation of hotel reservation, car rental, or tour operator
  • Tickets for flight, bus, or train. I use apps on my smartphone to save paper.
  • Address of the first accommodation (often needed at the airport for entry documents)
  • Important emergency addresses and phone numbers of your bank (for freezing credit cards), contacts of family members, or the travel health insurance.

Optional:

  • International driver's license
  • Toll sticker
  • GPS device (or load appropriate maps onto your smartphone)
  • Student ID (if you are still a student)
  • Vaccination card (in some countries proof of yellow fever vaccination is required upon entry)
  • Medications
  • Passport photo in case you need to apply for a visa on-site or want to get a diving certificate
  • Small additional wallet (see on Amazon)

Here you will find all information for the travel pharmacy

Must Check:

  • Check twice if your passports are still valid and that the passport has at least two blank pages.
  • For some banks, it's wise to inform them about a trip abroad and, if necessary, have the credit limit of your credit card increased.
  • Scan important documents (passport, driver's license, vaccination card, health card ...) and save them online (e.g. Dropbox) so you can access them in case of emergency.

Tip Against Theft of Your Passport and Credit Card Data

RFID Blocking Cardholder
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Do you know about RFID blocking sleeves? They are ideal for protecting your credit card, ID card, passport (larger sleeves are also available) from identity theft. Of course, you can also buy a wallet that has built-in RFID blocking.

View RFID Blocking Sleeves on Amazon

Did You Book Airport Parking or Train Ticket?

If you are traveling by your own vehicle to the airport, you should definitely reserve a parking space at the airport before the trip. By booking in advance, you can save a lot of money (for example, in Frankfurt through 'Holiday Parking' or Platzhirsch. Nowadays, there are providers like sand on the beach).

I like to travel by train. However, sometimes the departure is so early or the return flight is so late that no trains are running. Then I drive my own car to the airport.

If a Rail & Fly ticket isn't included with the flight, I buy a ticket from the train early.

Things to Check at Home Before Departure

  • Pay all outstanding bills: Have you transferred and settled all outstanding bills? I often receive reminders for transfers. What's more annoying than having to make transfers from vacation via online banking? I speak from experience ...
  • Mailbox: Do you have family, friends, or neighbors who occasionally empty your mailbox? Or could they scan or photograph important documents in case of emergency and send them to you?
  • Hide valuables: Do you have valuable jewelry or a lot of cash at home? Then put everything in a safe. I hardly have anything valuable, but my parents have had all their jewelry (especially heirloom pieces) stolen once.
  • Empty the refrigerator: Have you eaten or given away all the food that will expire? For long trips, I thaw out the fridge and turn it off.
  • Windows: Did you close all the windows and blinds? Especially in ground floor apartments, this is a must-do.
  • Trash: Have you emptied your trash cans? Nothing smells worse than forgotten garbage.
  • Turn off heating: Especially for a trip in autumn or winter, you should check if your heating is off. (Tip: A smart home system for remotely controlling your heating is ideal)
  • Turn off power outlets: I turn off all power outlets for my computer and TV. This way, you can save electricity.

Carry-On Packing List

Before each trip, I consider what carry-on I will take: Outdoor backpack, camera backpack, or just a regular everyday backpack? Because the day pack is the most important item of luggage on a journey.

The most important technical and personal items for the flight must fit inside. My camera should be safely packed.

These Are the Backpacks I Currently Use For Carry-On

Camera Backpack Recommendation Test
My perfect camera backpack: WANDRD - PRVKE photo by viel-unterwegs.de
  • Camera backpack:Element backpack 30L- best camera backpack in a long time that doesn't look like one! I replaced it with the WANDRD PRVKE. The Compagnon backpack is more ergonomic and better for the back. Alternative camera backpacks I use:EVOC Camera Backpack (even larger, for long-distance travel)
  • Daypack for hiking: Tatonka Hike Pack 27 and Skill 30 Recco
  • Daypack for city trips:WANDRD, PRVKE'Photography Bundle'

Make sure that your carry-on doesn't consist of just one main compartment. There's nothing more annoying than having to empty everything when you're looking for something. Therefore, I often pack a small sports bag/tote with all the important things I need during the flight (headphones, iPad, laptop, Kindle, travel guide, ...).

Then I save myself the hassle of searching through the often stuffed luggage compartment.

My Tip for the Carry-On:

Check before departure what is allowed in your carry-on. How much weight the carry-on can weigh. Depending on the airline and airport, carry-ons are being weighed more frequently! Even on long-haul flights, renowned airlines check how much your carry-on weighs.

Pay attention to liquid regulations: Still, no liquids (including gel-like products) with more than 100 ml may be taken in the carry-on (maximum filling volume printed). Furthermore, these must be packed in a sealed, transparent bag.

I therefore recommend taking a small daypack on the plane. Here's the accessories I take on board.

Note: Heading to the sea? Since my luggage didn't arrive on a trip to Aruba (1 day later), I always pack a fresh change of clothes and a bikini for one day. This way, I have the essentials with me in the worst-case scenario.

Technology and Camera (Carry-On)

  • Smartphone and charging cable
  • E-book reader or tablet
  • Noise-cancelling headphones
  • Camera, action camera, drone, lenses, chargers, SD memory card, tripod -> See my camera and photo equipment for travel here.
  • Travel adapter with USB-C ports
  • Power bank charger - charge multiple devices simultaneously when there's no outlet nearby.
  • Laptop and charging cable.
  • External hard drive - durable, fast, and very small external hard drive: Samsung Portable SSD

Hygiene Products (Carry-On)

  • Glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and solution
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitizer, if there's no water nearby
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant (my tip: Plastic-free from Holy Pit, I love it)
  • Hairbrush
  • Transparent bag for liquids in hand luggage. It's not uncommon for friends to have to leave liquids behind during security checks at the airport. Pack all, really all, liquids in transparent bags.

Note: I had my eyes lasered in 2018 and am totally happy. No glasses, no replacement contact lenses, and no solution anymore!

Other Travel Essentials (Carry-On)

  • Travel pillow or neck pillow
  • Sleep mask and earplugs (I can't sleep with them, but all my friends travel with them and swear by them)
  • Pen and my self-produced travel journal (-> Tips for writing a travel journal)
  • On my tablet or smartphone: Travel guides, maps (especially for road trips, I love printed maps) or language guides (if needed upon arrival at the destination, into the carry-on they go)
  • Spare clothes for at least one day (in case your luggage gets lost!)

Luggage: Bag or Suitcase?

No matter what travel you plan: I recommend a piece of luggage that is versatile, lightweight, and large enough to fit all the essential travel items. This is the hardest task: Finding the best piece of luggage that is comfortable to carry and suits your travel. Recently, I prefer a rolling bag (Tatonka Barrel M or L).

These Are the Luggage Pieces I Currently Use

  • Backpack: Tatonka Yukon 50 + 10 L (Women)*| Men's version: Tatonka Yukon 60 L*
  • Barrel L Bag from Tatonka (85 liters) made from truck tarpaulin for road trips with campers or expedition trips. Reason: compact storage.
  • Barrel M Trolley with wheels from Tatonka (60 liters) for shorter road trips and city trips
Best Travel Backpack
My current favorite backpack: Tatonka Yukon 50 + 10 L (Women) photo by viel-unterwegs.de

Note: When choosing a backpack, be sure to buy one with a good back system. I always recommend purchasing the backpack in a specialty store and trying it on.

-> Read Tip: How to Pack Your Backpack Properly

Packing Tips

For different activities, you'll need different equipment. Keeping all this organized and fitting it into a suitcase or backpack can often be a significant challenge. I always grin when I see what friends stuff into their bags. They then wonder why they can't find anything. Or in wetter travel destinations, suddenly all the laundry is damp or even wet.

My tip? Packing cubes or 'packing bags'.

I pack all pants in one large packing bag, tops in another. Socks and underwear come separately in small packing bags. This way, you can quickly find your desired article of clothing. You could also sort the bags by activity (for example, hiking gear in one, beach gear in another packing bag).

Since I've done this, I travel much more stress-free, as I can pack my backpack within minutes, especially when I often have to change accommodations on road trips.

Waterproof packing bags help against moisture. They protect not just against moisture but also against dust and dirt. I use packing bags for clothing and for documents and cords, the smaller version of those.

Clothing and Shoes

The more I travel, the more I value good functional clothing (preferably made of merino wool), which is lightweight and dries quickly. Additionally, clothing should be durable. I'm tired of replacing tattered shirts and ripped pants after each trip. I prefer to buy these clothes at Globetrotter*. Here I find everything.

Consider Before the Trip:

  • How many shirts or pairs of socks do you actually use on vacation? You always have extras. If necessary, you can wash something locally.
  • How many pairs of shoes are enough?

Packing List for Clothing and Shoes:

  • 1-2 long pants
  • 2-3 shorts
  • 5 shirts
  • 5 tops (Overall T-shirts & tops for 1 week - 10 days)
  • 1 sweatshirt or hoodie
  • 2-3 long sleeves for evenings and air-conditioned buses
  • Underwear and bras (for about 1 week)
  • 3 pairs of short and 2-3 pairs of long socks (depending on the destination), can also serve as a money hideout
  • Swimsuit (men's swim trunks)
  • Sarong, which can also be used as a beach towel or blanket in air-conditioned buses
  • 1 microfiber travel towel (space-saving, lightweight, and dries quickly). Towels are becoming less necessary for travel. But if I do have one, I always take my fluffy microfiber towel with me. Caution: the cheaper it is, the more 'sticky' it feels when drying off.
  • Multi-functional scarf or loop scarf serves as a scarf, head covering, and sweatband.
  • 1 pair of lightweight sneakers sufficient for light hiking (e.g.: ON cloud or Adidas Ultraboost)
  • 1 pair of flip-flops or Birkenstocks
  • 1 pair of trekking shoes (flat, depending on the destination)
  • 1 thin wind/rain jacket
  • 1 softshell jacket (depending on the destination)
  • a thin down jacket

I am fairly certain that after the trip you will still have clothing items left over. Humans tend to pack for every scenario, especially when traveling to unknown countries.

I advise you: Pack smart and do not overload your backpack just because there is still space. Try to pack clothing that can be combined with each other.

A pink T-shirt that only matches one specific pair of pants does not have a place in travel luggage. How do I manage this? I own many shirts and tops in similar colors that I can mix with my pants.

Vacation Checklist for Colder Regions and Rainy Season Travels

  • Double jacket (wind and waterproof outer jacket combined with a warm inner jacket - I use my softshell, sometimes my fleece jacket)
  • Hat
  • 2-3 long-sleeved shirts (for example, Icebreaker or Patagonia, merino wool is odor-resistant)
  • 1-2 pairs of warm socks
  • (Thin) sleeping bag liner - makes sense in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan at almost 4,000 meters

Other Travel Essentials

  • Headlampwith batteries. Minimalists say to ditch it. I say to include it! Anyone traveling without a headlamp is doing themselves a disservice. Because power outages or no electricity are often the case when traveling. During hikes (watching the sunrise in Tikal in the dark), you'll be glad to have both hands free. Just like when sleeping in the bush in Africa, in the Tatacoa Desert in Colombia, or on the dreamlike San Blas Islands in Panama. It was also useful in Costa Rica, Mexico, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and many other countries.
  • Leatherman - THE multi-tool par excellence and far more than just a pocket knife. Whenever I forget the Leatherman on a trip, I miss it dearly.
  • Binoculars: Essential when there's a chance to sight animals. Whether in Costa Rica, on a safari in Africa, Peru, or even Sri Lanka. My rugged adventure D 10 x 25 active binoculars always comes along. -> You can find my safari packing list here.
  • Travel journal to write yourself (designed by me. You can also purchase it in the shop)

Packing List for Personal Care and Travel Pharmacy

Items for personal care are the most important items aside from clothing. Avoid large packaging and resort to travel sizes.

I currently travel with a soap from Duschbrocken. I use it for both hair and body. Perfect and plastic-free! It lasts for at least 3 weeks for 2 people.

If you don't want to go without your shampoo, use silicone bottles that you can fill. Additionally, these containers come with suction cups and can be hung anywhere on the wall.

Medications are often needed when you don't have them with you. However, they are crucial while traveling! In many touristy locations, you can buy medicines (Thailand, South Africa ...), but not everything is always in stock. Or you find yourself in the bush in Africa. Here, there aren't any pharmacies for miles, and you'll be thankful for having medicine in your luggage.

I always carry the essentials. If you have chronic conditions, you know what medicine you need regularly. For me, for example, Sinupret and nasal spray are always in my carry-on.

Packing List for Toiletry Bag:

First, you need a good, sturdy toiletry bag that can get a bit wet. For travel, I use a hanging one since often there are no surfaces to place things on. I can hang the bag almost anywhere. In addition, the bag is durable and has made it through many trips, getting wet on the outside while staying dry on the inside.

  • Hanging Toiletry Bag
  • Laundry Bag, practical for dirty laundry or for transport when you bring your clothing to the laundromat - I also use it for outings when I don't want to carry a backpack.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and shower gel
  • Sunscreen (I use unscented from Ladival, since I had a sun allergy as a child. Since then, I can't use any other sunscreen on my skin)
  • Facial cream, lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Personal care items
  • Hygiene products for women (menstrual cup, tampons, ...)
  • Spare contact lenses

Additional Items:

  • Small mirror
  • Perfume (fill a little in this small spray bottle)
  • Hair care products
  • Clothesline and detergent
  • Shaving kit and extra blades
  • Sewing kit
  • Scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers (must be in checked luggage)
  • Small travel hairdryer (compact hairdryer, also for the USA)

Travel Pharmacy Checklist - Health on the Go:

  • First Aid Kit or small first aid kit (there are even waterproof sets)
  • Pain and fever medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin complex
  • Nasal spray
  • Charcoal tablets
  • Vitamin tablets against sun allergy, e.g. Calcium Sandoz Sun
  • Hand sanitizer gel (especially in countries like Mexico, Cuba, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan - where there isn't always a sink nearby)
  • Wound ointment, e.g. Bepanthen
  • Medications against diarrhea and nausea, e.g. Imodium acute
  • Waterproof band-aids
  • Malaria prophylaxis (depending on the travel country and only after consulting with your family doctor)
  • Mosquito spray, e.g. Autan Tropical (I now swear by local mosquito balm)
Hygiene Products for Travel
photo by viel-unterwegs.de

-> Here is a detailed checklist for the travel pharmacy with a PDF available for download

Packing Your Daypack for a Carry-On

A lightweight and versatile bag or backpack can be used many times. See point 2.

-> Tips for packing a backpack to avoid back problems.

  • My tips for the best apps for smartphones while traveling
  • List of my camera(s) and photo accessories for travel:

Safety and Theft Protection While Traveling

Pickpockets are everywhere. The only option is often a safe in the hotel. These are usually too small to fit a laptop or camera. That's why there is the practical TravelSafe from Packsafe.

In the 12L version, a laptop, iPad, and my camera equipment fit (I always have the latter with me). You can attach the TravelSafe with a lock in your room. Thanks to the steel mesh, it's a better alternative to a safe.

-> My tips for hiding money

Detailed Packing List Available for Download as PDF

Here you can download, print and check off the checklist as a PDF. You can add and fill in your own comments, ensuring you'll never forget anything important. Thus, nothing stands in the way of your perfect vacation!

Download Packing List as PDF

(If you have further tips and suggestions for additions to the list, please feel free to leave me a comment at the end of the article. Thank you!)

My Final Tip for the Packing List

If you still have space in your luggage, you don't have to stuff it full. Be happy that you have room for souvenirs and mementos.

Depending on the travel destination, you can often buy many things on the go. In many countries, you can have laundry done cheaply (or wash it yourself). This way, you can save on clothing and take less with you. I know that sometimes time does not allow. Often there are dryers (or it's hot anyway) so the laundry dries quickly!

Always consider:

Do you need a rain jacket in Mexico, Thailand, or Cuba? Of course, the monsoon rains are heavy but often quite short-lived. At 30 degrees, getting wet is not a big issue. At most, in an hour, everything is dry again. Freezing? No way. My tip for these countries: Cross them off the packing list.

However, the rain jacket was very useful in Costa Rica, Uganda, and Rwanda. I was there during the rainy season and knew it would definitely rain. The downpours were often heavy and lasted a long time. In the higher elevations, it was cold in all these countries. If it's cold and rainy, I can't enjoy the trip as much.

So carefully consider what you actually need. This way, you can reduce your packing lists and save a lot in terms of equipment and unnecessary weight in your backpack.

Do You Have Additional Items that Need to be on the Packing List for Summer Vacation? What Does Your Vacation Checklist Look Like?

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